Samuel M. Rubino | Paoli business owner, 93

Samuel M. Rubino, 93, of Malvern, retired owner of Rubino TV Sales & Service in Paoli, died of a stroke Thursday, June 2, at Paoli Hospital.

Mr. Rubino grew up in Malvern and graduated from Tredyffrin-Easttown High School in 1937. He then worked as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad and studied business at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1940, he enlisted in the Army. During World War II, he fought with the Fifth Army in the invasions of North Africa and Sicily. While participating in the Anzio campaign in Italy in 1944, he was awarded a battlefield commission and promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. Eventually, his unit advanced to Florence, where he met his future wife, Mara Mannini, who was working in an airport cafeteria.

After his discharge, Mr. Rubino and his brother, Tony, operated Melody Hall, a general store and Saturday-night dance hall in East Goshen.

In the early 1950s, Mr. Rubino opened a radio and television store in Malvern. He later moved the business to Lancaster Avenue in Paoli. He was a member of the Paoli Business Association and received an award from the organization for his attractive storefront, his son Jack said.

Mr. Rubino was a member of the Main Line Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He had a lifelong interest in sports, especially golf, his son said. At 13, he began caddying at Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern. Until two years ago, he played regularly at Kimberton Golf Club in Phoenixville, where he had shot two holes-in-one.

In addition to his wife of 64 years and son, Mr. Rubino is survived by a son, Steve; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Mauger-Givnish Funeral Home, 24 Monument Ave., Malvern. A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 126 Woodland Ave., Malvern. Burial will be in Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer.